Ruth Soforenko

SOFORENKO, (RIMA) RUTH (WEISS), 82, passed peacefully with her beloved daughter, Nancy, by her side on February 20, 2011. She was the wife of the late Arnold Soforenko. Born in Passaic, N.J, she was a daughter of the late Abraham and Rose Weiss. Mrs. Soforenko moved to Providence as a young girl and attended John Howland School, Nathan Bishop Jr.High School, Hope High School and Brown University, graduating from Pembroke with a major in Philosophy and a minor in Art in 1950. She and her mother founded and ran an art and antique gallery, Vogue Antiques, in Central Falls for many years. As a longtime supporter of civil rights, she fought for fair housing for minorities in the '60s. She moved to Palo Alto in 1971, began a career as an interior designer and founded a very successful design firm, Ruth Soforenko Associates. She was an ASID member, was renowned in her field and won numerous awards. Ruth made immediate connections with many who crossed her path. She was beloved in her community, both in Providence and in Palo Alto. She could be counted on to help her friends make their social and political events into special visual experiences. Ruth was an avid runner and ran her first marathon at the age of 48. Ruth loved her dog Cyrano who was a familiar sight on the streets of Palo Alto. She also loved to entertain and had an impeccable sense of style and taste. She is survived by her daughter Nancy Soforenko and her beloved son-in-law (David) Deke Gerken of Monte Sereno, CA. She was the mother of the late Suzanne Soforenko, and sister of the late Judith Cohen and Arthur Weiss. Her funeral service will be held Friday, February 25, 2011 at 11 AM in Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Shiva will be private. Arrangements by Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel.